Birkenstocks, Uggs, Crocs And Converse: Is This Really The End For High Heels?

In a locked-down world, no item has been as swiftly exiled to the wardrobe wilderness than the high heel. Because, well, why bother? Nobody is really seeing our feet anymore and when they are, we are probably walking (and walking, and walking). The woman who gets her 10,000 steps in a pair of six-inch stilettos must exist – but she’s a rarity.

So, we've handed it over to flats: Birkenstocks, trainers, stompy boots, Crocs(!!!), and we bet you’ve never worn your slippers so much.Ugg boots have once again been bestowed with It-girl approval and lug-soled loafers are our concession to smart dressing; Kamala Harris appeared on the cover of US Vogue in Converse, as much part of her signature campaign trail style as her pearls. Hunterhas reported an 89% increase in sales of its Original Wellington boot.

Most telling, Kurt Geiger, for the first time, is not including any new heels in its latest collection. ‘For SS21, we predicted that COVID-related restrictions would once again see a dramatic reduction in social events where heels would usually take centre stage,’ says Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, creative director. ‘Creating a brand new heel for next season did not seem in harmony with a world where our customers are calling for flats, sneakers and slippers that bring comfort, cosiness and joy.’

She adds, however, that this is not the end for heels and expects to see a surge in demand ‘when our former liberties have been restored’. Perhaps the kickback is happening already; according to global fashion shopping platform Lyst, in the last quarter, searches for heels have increased 33% year on year.

And, in a way, doesn’t it make sense? There is something liberating, empowering about letting the world get on with going mad and reclaiming control of what we can (Harris in heels at the inauguration ceremony is all the proof you need that you can be a woman who Gets Things Done in both. To put on a fabulous pair of heels is a gesture of optimism that says you know things won’t be this way forever. It’s about investing in your future self and granting your today-self permission to have fun with fashion again (plus, this is the perfect time to test-drive high heels). It's nice to make (a bit of) an effort.

AsManolo Blahnik, a man whose exquisite pumps could woo even the most-dedicated comfort dresser out of her slippers, puts it simply: ‘I think dressing up makes women feel good’. Whether that’s in heels, flats or both is over to you.